1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

I am writing today to express my concerns for our communities as we are invaded by the terrorist organization called ICE. The United States is currently considered by much of the world as a dangerous destination. MAGA and ICE have been labeled by our allies as domestic terrorist organizations. ICE officers in NJ this month have advised citizens that they don’t need warrants anymore. They arrive in unmarked vehicles wearing masks that shield their faces. If I saw one approaching me, I would automatically assume I was about to become the victim of a crime. However, if I were to fight back, I’d then be a criminal. If I were undocumented, I’d be taken to a concentration camp. If I am a citizen, I’ll be taken to jail. Why? Because we are no longer allowed to defend ourselves from unidentified persons with face coverings and guns. This is not my opinion. This is a fact. We know this because we’ve all seen the videos. We know now that kicking a tail light is punishable by execution. Helping our friends and neighbors is punishable by execution. Using our legal right to protest is punishable by execution. Crossing the street is punishable by vehicular assault. And if we fight back? Jail. Straight to jail. My community has a school district that has won numerous awards for kindness. The children who attend those schools are presumably being taught that we don’t hurt people. We don’t kill people. We don’t kidnap people. And yet, on all their tv screens and social media platforms they’re watching children- just like themselves- being taken into custody. Sometimes with family members. Sometimes alone. Sometimes they’re being used to lure the people who love them. At ALL times, they’re being loaded into so-called detention centers with no access to lawyers, due process, education, proper nutrition, proper health care, clean water supplies, or even toys or games. This is also not an opinion. This is a fact. Our children are watching this unfold, and they are frightened. What do we tell them about our nation? Do we teach them to run? Do we teach them to hide? Do we teach them to help their friends escape? Do we tell them that certain people just don’t belong here, after teaching them for years that everyone should be included? Or do we have the support of the officials WE THE PEOPLE elected and employed to assure them that their country loves them and will protect them from harm? Will you do the kind thing? Or the “legal” thing?